Aboriginal Ranger Program delivering jobs and training in regional and remote WA

Expressions of interest close on March 15, 2019

The McGowan Government has issued a final call for expressions of interest for the second round of the $20 million Aboriginal Ranger Program.

Under the program, Aboriginal organisations may apply for funding to employ and train rangers, and to carry out land and sea management and tourism activities across a range of tenures in remote and regional Western Australia.

The first round of the program was extremely successful, with 13 Aboriginal organisations across WA receiving funding, resulting in the creation of 85 new jobs and 80 training positions for Aboriginal people, including 47 female ranger positions.

$9 million is available in Round 2 for single or multi-year projects up to three years.

Expressions of interest can be submitted to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and are open until March 15, 2019.

"A lot of fantastic work has already been undertaken by successful applicants from Round 1, with many rangers being trained in fire management, cultural site management and biodiversity monitoring and research.

"With only one month to go, I encourage groups to apply for funding in Round 2 so they can build on the growing number of Aboriginal groups and rangers managing country."

Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:

"There are so many social, cultural and environmental benefits of Aboriginal ranger programs, most importantly the vital link it gives Aboriginal people to their country.

"Through this significant investment, we are delivering on our promise to create jobs for Aboriginal people, which will help increase resilience, improve community wellbeing and build leadership."

The creation of the proposed reserves will enable conservation of the significant natural and cultural values along the coast, and importantly provide ongoing access and recreational opportunities for all Western Australians and other visitors.

The area will be jointly managed by the Gnulli native title claimants and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, with an Indigenous Land Use Agreement expected to be finalised this year.

"This area attracts many thousands of visitors each year who seek to camp against a backdrop of the world famous Ningaloo Marine Park. The plan proposes to maintain affordable, remote and self-sufficient camping and caravanning experiences.

"Managing the area in partnership with traditional owners will have many benefits, not only for sharing knowledge and the enhanced protection and management of the Ningaloo Coast but also in terms of job creation, connection to country and customary activities.

"I encourage Western Australians to provide comment on the plan, which will help guide the management of the beautiful conservation and recreation reserves on the Ningaloo Coast for the years ahead."

Four northern rockhopper penguins have been released in waters off Augusta, after surprising wildlife officers and beach goers with a visit to the South West.

The threatened species usually live on islands close to Antarctica, more than three thousand kilometres south-west of Western Australia.

While there are no resident populations on the mainland or inshore islands of Australia, Pia Courtis from the Parks and Wildlife Service said northern rockhopper penguins have been recorded visiting our beaches during the summer months.

“They are usually looking for refuge during their three-week annual moult period, during which time they are unable to enter the water and usually do not feed,” Ms Courtis said.

In the past year, 10 rockhopper penguins have been found on beaches between Jurien Bay and Augusta.

The penguins were assessed and cared for by experienced wildlife rehabilitators in the South West, as well as at Perth Zoo, in order to complete their moulting process in a safe environment.

“During the moulting period, the penguins are quite vulnerable to injury and predation from dogs and foxes, which is why some of them have been placed into temporary care to ensure their safety,” Ms Courtis said.

“We are really happy with the progress they have made so far and are confident that four are ready to make their way home.”

The four penguins were released yesterday as a group offshore near Augusta by Parks and Wildlife Service staff and a local wildlife rehabilitator, with assistance from the Department of Transport.

“We are expecting them to head to known feeding grounds to feed on krill, squid and octopus for the winter months, before returning to breeding islands in the Indian and South Atlantic ocean in spring.”

The remaining penguins will continue to receive care until they are ready to be released.

The department thanks Western Australian Seabird Rescue and FAWNA volunteers for their assistance housing and feeding the penguins during their vulnerable moulting period.

People can report sick, injured, orphaned or displaced wildlife to the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.

The reserves include valuable conservation areas such as Dryandra Woodland which is home to Western Australia’s mammal emblem, the numbat.

Almost half of the reserves are less than 100 hectares. The two largest reserves, Karroun Hill and Jilbadji nature reserves within the Great Western Woodlands, together make up more than half a million hectares.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has prepared the proposed management plan on behalf of the Conservation and Parks Commission.

“The Wheatbelt is one of Australia’s 15 national biodiversity hotspots, and remnant vegetation pockets and nature reserves support a remarkable diversity of wildlife and natural vegetation.

“The area is home to 23 threatened animal species, including the woylie, black-flanked rock wallaby, arid bronze azure butterfly and Yorkrakine trapdoor spider. It also contains 130 threatened plant species, the highest amount in the State, including the critically endangered lemon spider orchid and granite tetratheca.

“Conserving this special area’s parks and reserves is a priority under the proposed management plan.

“I encourage people to provide their comment on the plan, which will help guide the management of the reserves within this unique and diverse biodiversity hotspot for many years to come.”

Efforts are continuing to protect the western ground parrot, following a bushfire that burnt through some of the critically endangered birds' habitat this month.

Lightning strikes on January 13 caused a bushfire in Cape Arid National Park on the south coast, which burnt 6,300 hectares. Western ground parrots only exist in the wild in Cape Arid National Park and the adjacent Nuytsland Nature Reserve.

In spring 2018, five parrots were caught in Cape Arid National Park - fitted with GPS collars - and returned to the wild so their movements could be studied as part of a recovery program led by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

A ground search by DBCA last week located one of these five birds alive, and signals from two other birds were detected from the air. A ground search this week will establish if they also survived the fire. One location where birds were found in the spring season was burnt in the fire.

Last year, five wild birds were also transferred from Cape Arid National Park to Perth Zoo as part of efforts to safeguard the species.

The two males and three females joined four other western ground parrots at the zoo to help learn more about the birds and their reproductive biology, to determine if a captive breeding program for release is viable and could help reverse the species decline.

Construction of new purpose-built aviaries at Perth Zoo has been supported by the Australian Government's Threatened Species Recovery Fund, and the recovery program has been assisted by valuable contributions by the Friends of Western Ground Parrot, as well as funding from the Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots e.V.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

"Thankfully, a prescribed burn undertaken by DBCA's Parks and Wildlife Service in 2017 to protect western ground parrot habitat helped to limit the further spread of the fire.

"DBCA will continue to undertake fox and feral cat baiting to protect the birds, and monitor the occurrence and abundance of the ground parrot through listening surveys.

"In the meantime, birds brought to Perth Zoo late last year are being monitored by CCTV cameras and have settled into purpose-built aviaries exceptionally well.

"I appreciate and welcome the combined efforts of the dedicated volunteers and organisations in the conservation of this rare and unique species."

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has welcomed the support of South West residents in joining the search for a new invasive weed.

The department issued an alert in December for residents to look out for pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) and report any sightings after it was found in the Balingup area.

Pokeweed is an agricultural and environmental weed, and is toxic to livestock and people.

Department invasive species manager Kay Bailey said the department had received more than 20 reports by landowners and residents.

“All reports have been investigated and 16 reports have been confirmed as pokeweed, which have been treated,” Ms Bailey said.

“The landowners involved and the general community have been very helpful and pro-active.

“Willingness to look for, report and control the plants by individual residents has contributed to all known plants being controlled and preventing potential spread of this serious pest.”

Government landowners in the region, including the Forest Products Commission, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Main Roads Western Australia and the Shire of Donnybrook/Balingup, are actively surveying their land and undertaking control.

Ms Bailey said while all known plants had been removed, the department urged residents to continue to report any sightings.

“This will be a long term program to eradicate the seed bank for pokeweed. Plants may grow in areas not previously seen, from seed deposited by birds,” Ms Bailey said.

She said community reporting had recently led to the first detection of the plant in Bridgetown.

“Although surveillance of the surrounding area did not find any further plants, Bridgetown residents are reminded to be on the lookout,” she said.

Pokeweed looks similar to inkweed, a widespread weed in the South-West, but is taller with larger leaves and drooping berry stalks.

It is a large, perennial shrub that grows up to 2.5 metres tall, with bright green leaves (up to 40 cm long) on a smooth purplish stem.

White to magenta flowers form in elongated clusters that hang from the branches. Deep purple to black berries form in summer and are the most distinctive characteristic of pokeweed.

A new world-class walk trail has been opened in Wellington National Park, near Collie, as part of the McGowan Government's commitment to improve visitor facilities in the Collie-Preston area.

The new 20 kilometre Wiilman Bilya Trail stretches from Wellington Dam north to the Coalfields Highway, winding through magnificent blackbutt, open jarrah forest and past granite outcrops.

Bushwalkers can expect a full day walk in either direction, with the option to camp overnight at Nyingarn campsite or at Potters Gorge.

The name Wiilman Bilya pays tribute to the traditional Noongar group, Wiilman, with Bilya being the Noongar word for river. The Wiilman people have a strong cultural connection to this area.

The $320,000 walk trail was funded by the State Government through the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Royalties for Regions.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

"The McGowan Government recognises the value of Western Australia's national parks and reserves, and is committed to making these accessible to visitors for generations to come.

"In addition to the Wiilman Bilya Trail, in the past year, we have supported the completion of several trail projects in the South-West, including a nine kilometre mountain bike trail in the nearby Arklow forest block near Collie; an 11.5 kilometre mountain bike trail and a 2.5 kilometre walk trail in Wooditjup National Park near Margaret River; and three 5.5 kilometre mountain bike trails in Lane Poole Reserve near Dwellingup.

"The proposed expansion of Wellington National Park is also expected to improve and expand tourism and recreation opportunities, with public consultation currently underway on this proposal."

Western Australia's aerial firefighting fleet can fly further and for a much longer period than ever before, thanks to a new aircraft set to be equipped with advanced hazard-mapping technology.

The pride of the State's aerial firefighting fleet is a new Dauphin helicopter FIREBIRD 661, which has been brought on to boost WA's aerial surveillance and reconnaissance capability. It will fly for up to 306 days of the year compared to the previous 110-day fixed service.

The new helicopter is faster and has a longer range compared with earlier rotary craft, including an extra hour's flying time and 300 kilometres of additional deployment range.

It can be deployed from its Jandakot base to locations as far away as Esperance or Kalgoorlie, without having to refuel.

The Dauphin will have high-definition television and infrared thermal imaging which allows crews to see through smoke to map fires, and detect ember attacks and hotspots. It also has optional night capacity.

Analysts will use the data to generate maps in real-time, giving firefighters on the ground the edge in the fire fight.

The new helicopter will work in partnership with FIREBIRD 662 which was added last year and provided firefighter transport, remote area flood relief and flew more hours than any other aircraft in the fleet.

The joint Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions aerial fleet consists of 28 rotary and fixed wing aircraft and the Erickson Aircrane 'Georgia Peach', which made its return to Perth's skies yesterday.

The fleet, based across WA, is jointly funded by the State Government and the Federal Government through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre.

Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:

"The 2018-19 aerial fleet's sophisticated new generation surveillance technology will put us ahead of the game in mapping fires and predicting how they might develop.

"This will greatly boost the State's capacity to try to keep Western Australians safe this coming bushfire season.

"This season's fleet - including the massive 'Georgia Peach' Aircrane - can drop around 300,000 litres of water per hour, or the equivalent of three large backyard swimming pools.

"Each of the aircraft in the fleet plays a crucial role in stopping the spread of fire in the early stages, but there will never be as many helicopters or fire trucks as there are houses.

"Fire can be an extremely powerful force so the WA community needs to be prepared, and I would urge Western Australians to take five minutes now and visit firechat.wa.gov.au to make a bushfire plan."

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

"Bushfires are now an inevitable part of the Western Australian summer and for more than 20 years the State Government's aerial suppression measures have been protecting life and property from the devastating effects of bushfires.

"Using aerial and ground resources, the State Government continues to make significant efforts to reduce the amount of fuel firefighters have to confront in a bushfire.

"Since July 1, 2018, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has undertaken almost 90,000 hectares of prescribed burning across its three south-west forest regions. This builds on the 218,000 hectares of burning it achieved in 2017-18.

"I would like to extend my sincere thanks on behalf of the people of WA to firefighters from DBCA's Parks and Wildlife Service, DFES, local brigades and volunteers. Your efforts are greatly appreciated, thank you for helping keep our community safe."

The proposed expansion will include an additional 7,360 hectares, an increase of more than 42 per cent

Wellington National Park is located 150 kilometres south of Perth

The McGowan Government is committed to the expansion of Wellington National Park, with the public comment period now open on the expansion proposal.

The proposed expansion along the southern border to the Preston River will provide a focus for tourism along major access routes and enhance opportunities for recreation, including mountain biking, bushwalking, camping, cultural education and adventure activities.

It will also provide greater protection for significant areas of mature jarrah and marri forest, and high-quality wildlife habitat within the proposed expansion area.

These additions will increase the overall area of the national park to almost 25,000 hectares, and improve connectivity to adjacent conservation reserves, while limiting the impact on timber harvesting and firewood collection.

The proposed areas also include registered Aboriginal heritage places and sites of other Australian cultural heritage.

"The McGowan Government is committed to expanding the network of national parks and reserves in Western Australia to protect conservation values and enable areas to be enjoyed now and for generations to come.

"Wellington National Park continues to grow as a popular camping and day visit destination due to its proximity to Perth; outstanding scenic, cultural and biodiversity values; and the multitude of recreational activities it offers.

"During the past 10 years visitation to the park has increased substantially, reaching more than 315,000 visits in the 2017-18 financial year."

Comments attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:

"This is a significant step in progressing the Government's election commitment to expand Wellington National Park.

"The proposed expansion will provide the basis to improve and expand tourism and recreation opportunities within our incredibly unique national park.

"I am proud to say that we are working to ensure a brighter future for the people of Collie-Preston.

"I ask that anybody with an interest in this area to come forward and have their voice heard during the public comment period."

With summer holidays just around the corner, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is reminding people to take care when camping in national parks.

Tim Foley from the department’s Parks and Wildlife Service said while campfires were a valued part of the camping experience, there were restrictions in place during bushfire season.

“For many people, toasting marshmallows over a campfire is considered an iconic camping experience, but during the summer months lighting an open fire, even when a fire ring is present, is simply not safe,” Mr Foley said.

“Drier winters and hotter summers have raised the risk of bushfires across the south-west.

“We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday, so we ask that all park users follow the rules and avoid lighting campfires or using appliances powered by burning solid fuel.”

As an alternative, people are encouraged to make use of the free gas barbeques available at several campgrounds and day use areas, including Shannon campground in Shannon National Park, Draftys camp in Warren National Park, Fernhook Falls in Mt Frankland South National Park and many more.

“Shannon campground has recently been upgraded and is a great option for those who have left booking until the last minute,” Mr Foley said.

“It now has more than 60 campsites to choose from, on a first-come, first-served basis. I encourage people to stay a few days and explore Shannon and D’Entrecasteaux national parks, as well as the western part of the Walpole Wilderness Area.

“Wherever you decide to camp, it’s important that you check whether you need to book before heading south to avoid disappointment.”

To view the latest availability information for all Parks and Wildlife Service campgrounds go to https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/campgrounds-status and to make bookings for selected campgrounds up to 180 days in advance go to https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park-stay. For information on campfires, visit https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/current-campfire-conditions.

Aboriginal Ranger Program delivering jobs and training in regional and remote WA

$9 million available for Round 2

The McGowan Government is calling for expressions of interest for the second round of the Aboriginal Ranger Program.

Under the program, new and existing Aboriginal organisations can employ and train rangers, and carry out land and sea management and tourism activities across a range of tenures in remote and regional Western Australia.

A total of $8.45 million was allocated in the first round of funding, with $9 million available in this round for single or multi-year projects up to three years.

Expressions of interest can be submitted to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and are open until March 15, 2019.

"The first round of the program was extremely successful, with 13 Aboriginal organisations across WA receiving funding. This has resulted in the creation of 85 new jobs and 80 training positions for Aboriginal people, including 47 female ranger positions.

"This has helped create a pathway for Aboriginal people to develop a career in land and sea management, while providing for long-term cultural and conservation outcomes.

"Significantly, by creating more jobs and leadership roles for Aboriginal people, this program is leveraging the social and economic benefits that employment provides in remote and regional areas, and is helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.

"I encourage new and emerging groups to apply for funding in Round 2 so they can build on the growing number of Aboriginal groups and rangers managing country."

Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:

"This is a great program that is achieving tangible outcomes for Aboriginal communities right across Western Australia.

"As I travel around the State talking to people and communities, I am constantly hearing of the great successes Aboriginal ranger groups are having.

"I am also constantly reminded by the communities still developing their programs that they see the establishment of their own Aboriginal ranger team as being an integral part of their long-term future.

"I am sure the opening of this round will be welcomed right across remote and regional WA, and we look forward to seeing the State's program continue to grow and thrive."

Ten bushfire incident management experts from Western Australia have been deployed to Queensland this morning to assist in battling multiple fires across the State.

The five officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' Parks and Wildlife Service and five from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services are highly skilled and experienced in a variety of incident management roles, including incident control, planning, logistics, operations and public information.

This adds to the 28 DFES career and volunteer firefighters that arrived in Queensland yesterday to bolster frontline firefighting efforts.

More than 100 bushfires continue to burn across Queensland, and while weather conditions today are expected to provide a reprieve, there are still multiple bushfires threatening communities in the central and northern regions.

Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:

"We are proud to join New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania in assisting our Queensland counterparts during this challenging time.

"Highly skilled DFES incident managers and frontline firefighters, as well as volunteer firefighters, will provide a much needed reprieve for local crews as these fires continue to burn across Queensland."

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

"Western Australia has a long-standing and proud history of providing frontline and incident management forest and bushfire experts to other States and overseas in times of crisis.

"The Parks and Wildlife Service personnel deployed this morning will draw on their decades of experience to provide specialist incident management expertise.

"Queensland personnel were among the many who flew west to assist WA during the fire season in 2015 and 2016 and we are pleased to be able to return the favour."

Nine volunteer groups will benefit from almost $260,000 in funding under the second round of the Community Rivercare Program.

Round two funding will go towards weed control and foreshore restoration projects within the Swan Canning Catchment.

The Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group and the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare will receive funding under the program to engage with the local community to extend the ecological corridor along the Canning River, providing habitat for native birds and aquatic species.

Grant projects that will receive funding in round two include:

Canning River foreshore restoration;

Rehabilitation of the Canning River;

Revegetation of the Helena River foreshore;

Lesmurdie Brook weed control and rehabilitation;

Melville Beach Road foreshore restoration;

Wright Brook river catchment restoration project;

Jarrah Creek wildlife corridor habitat enhancement project;

Salter Point community revegetation project; and an

Invasive water lily eradication program trial in the Canning River.

In the first round of funding, 17 community groups were awarded more than $540,000 for projects ranging from one to three years in duration.

A 45-year-old Japanese man has been charged after he was intercepted at Perth International Airport allegedly attempting to smuggle six native bobtail lizards out of Australia.

Acting on a information from Western Australia’s Parks and Wildlife Service, Australia Border Force (ABF) officers identified the man and carried out a full baggage examination as he attempted to catch a flight to Hong Kong yesterday (November 8, 2018).

It will be alleged an x-ray of his check-in suitcase revealed the six bobtail lizards wrapped in paper towel and tightly packed inside a cloth bag.

It will be further alleged that three of the lizards were taken from Rottnest Island, one from the Midwest region and two from the Perth metropolitan area, and that some had been kept in hessian bags for up to eight days with no food and little water.

He was arrested by ABF investigators and charged with the following;

One count of attempting to export a regulated native specimen, contrary to section 303DD(1) of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 whilst subjecting the lizards to cruel treatment.

Parks and Wildlife Service is expected to lay a number of charges under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.

The maximum penalty for wildlife trade offences under Australian law is 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $210,000 for individuals or up to $1,050,000 for corporations.

The man is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court today.

Western Australian bobtails can attract up to $10,000 each on the international black market.

ABF Regional Commander for WA Rod O’Donnell said the ABF is committed to protecting Australian wildlife.

“The ABF works closely with its state and federal partners to detect, disrupt and investigate those involved in this cruel trade,” Commander O’Donnell said.

“Wildlife smuggling is a lucrative trade and we know individuals and organised criminal syndicates can make significant profits by exporting and selling Australia’s unique native fauna overseas, particularly in Asia.”

Parks and Wildlife Service wildlife officer Matt Swan said Western Australian reptiles were highly sought after on the black market because they were easy to care for, attractive, and exotic.

“The smuggling of native wildlife is not only illegal but cruel and inhumane, with reptiles often smuggled for extended periods of time without food or water, in extremes of temperature and generally in confined spaces,” he said.

“The animals have been checked by Perth Zoo vets, and our aim is to release these animals back into the wild, if possible.”

People with information about the illegal removal of reptiles or who notice any suspicious border related activity should call Australian Border Force’s Border Watch at Australia.gov.au/borderwatch or the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055